Slide 1
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Earth Kind Gardening combines the best of natural and traditional gardening practices to create a horticultural system based on interaction between plants, the environment, and human responses. Choosing an appropriate garden site and preparing the soil well are the first steps to a successful Earth Kind garden. |
Slide 2
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Light intensity is critical for maximum plant growth. Planting sites should be chosen for the correct light level. Most vegetables prefer full sun, although leafy greens can be grown with half a day of sun. If you are a new gardener, it is best to start with a small garden. This will allow you to learn not only how to grow various crops, but also how much to grow for your family. |
Slide 3
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Drainage is important in a garden site. A little extra water can be handled by the use of raised beds but a lot of water or standing water makes it almost impossible to grow most crops. In this slide, the plants in the wet area have died. Even raised beds can only help up to a point!
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Slide 4
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It is important to know something about your soil. Sandy soils are loose and allow water to flow through quickly, so they need frequent waterings. Clay soils are heavy, crack when dry, and often do not drain well enough for some crops. Loam soils are a combination of soil particles of different sizes. They hold more water than sandy soils but allow more air into soil than clay soils.
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Slide 5
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Soil testing is recommended because it tells how much of the major nutrients are in your soil. This can help you to choose the correct fertilizers. While too little fertilizer can result in reduced plant growth and lower yields, too much can interfere with some nutrient uptake and damage the environment by leaching or running off into waterways. Your county agent has the soil test kits and directions in her/his office. |
Slide 6
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Starting with the correct site preparation results in a productive garden that is easier to maintain. This is _______'s garden. (USE YOUR NAME OR THAT OF SOMEONE KNOWN TO THE GROUP).
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Slide 7
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This is ________'s garden. (NAME OF PERSON IN COMMUNITY, ETC.). As you can see, perennial weeds should be killed or removed before other soil preparation. |
Slide 8
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Herbicides such as the Roundup or Kleenup (glyphosate), Finale (glufosinate-ammonium), or organically approved soap-based herbicides can be used. These are all non-selective herbicides so the spray cannot be allowed to drift to desirable plants.
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Slide 9
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When the grass and other weeds are completely killed (10-14 days), it can be tilled or turned by hand. |
Slide 10
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Whether your soil is a clay type which cracks when dry, or a loose, sandy soil, or anything in between, organic matter will be beneficial. Organic matter is anything which comes from a plant or animal. |
